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Rear clunking sound when going over bumps

06-19-2007, 06:32 PM

I recently purchased a 96 6cyl mtx mystique, with 128k miles from the orignal owner.
It sounds only when going over bumps/dips, it is only on the rear pass. side. Kind of sounds like a seat belt locking up but it is not. Any sugestions, is this a common problem?

Check your rear subframe. The mounts that hold the sway bar up may be broken making the sway bar bounce up and down making a clunking noise. I have the same thing in my 99 SVT! I have all the parts to replace but I dont have time. Im also located in Jersey City just incase you need help!

Also a Simple weld can temporarily fix the issue and be fairly cheap. But this is temp so when you hit another big bump it might just break again! You might have to get a reinforced rear subframe and replace it as a permanent fix(or thats what i would do)! Ive had this sound for close to 4 months without it leading to any major issues yet. If this is the problem u dont have to worry about it but the sound does get annoying and im planning to change mine soon.

Comment

If your rear swaybar mounts are still intact check the upper strut mount. at one point i had the same noise, checked the subframe and it was fine so i started looking elsewhere. turns out the nut that holds the upper strut mount on had backed off slightly and allowed the strut to move making the noise.

Comment

Well i looked for the upper strut mounting nut, is that inside or outside the car?
I cant seem to replicate the noise by jumping up and down in the trunk, also it doesnt seem to make any noise side to side.
By the way it sounds it seems like its in the trunk, but I cannot see any bushing or the top of the strut either.
Man fords really suck lol, such a PITA to work or do stuff on (such as the t-45 or what ever one it is, needed for the rear brakes)

Comment

Hey -- no knocking Fords. They've stood by me, and I stand by them. Yeah, the caliper bolts use a torx bolt -- want to say is a t-47, from memory, could be a little off, though. They're no big deal -- as long as you have a Torx bit.

Chances are you won't be able to replicate the sound by moving the car yourself (and the upper strut bolt is in the trunk, at the top of the strut tower). You may have to have the wife, girlfriend, or buddy drive the car while you sit in the trunk. One of the guys on here (bxd20) did that not too long ago with positive results, if memory serves. You'll need the weight of the car, not just your own strength, to help you locate the malfeasance.

2000 Tropic Green Contour SVT
1994 Opal Frost Taurus SHO -- SOLD!

"Have you ever seen a spleen that large?"
"No -- no -- not since breakfast."